FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Buying another Vehicle.

So... here I am once more, at a point where my life is about to change and must change my vehicle to accommodate this.. I sold my FJ about a year ago and miss it like crazy. But even if I would have kept it, I would still be looking for a change.

I currently own a 86 Chevy Blazer 1/2 ton 4x4 w/ a 5.7L V8... When I bought the vehicle I was stoked.. All metal, front manual locking hubs big V8, solid axle, tons of mod options.. But to tell you the truth I have not done anything to it. Any money that I would want to spend on mods goes to gas. I pay about $120 to fill up the tank, which then is used in one week with minor commuting.. this thing guzzles gas. Besides it guzzling gas... I have also learned that 86 was a bad year for Chevy. They had just made the transition from carburetor to fuel injection and only half ass'd it in 86... so they made an electronic controlled carburetor. This sucks because it is not full carburetor nor is it fuel injected... which also runs like shit.

With a baby on the way, and it being a girl, I need a 4 door ride that is not ridiculous on gas but is 4x4. I need to get out again. I need to wheel again... but more than that, I need to show the outdoors to my coming child. Now I know that majority of 4x4 are nor fuel economy vehicles... so no need to school me on this. But decency would be nice.

Before I continue, let me explain, while some of you show preference to Toyota (FJ Cruiser Group...DUH) I have always been an auto enthusiast. I have always seen the good and the bad in each maker and love all vehicles in general. The reason I post here is because the aboundance of knowledge and experience. So please keep an open mind. Also keep in mind that this would be a Daily Driver, Precious Cargo Hauler and Weekend Wheeler.

Some vehicle that I am looking into are:

-80 Series LC - I have always liked these, but from doing some research it appears that the earlier models are lacking in power while also being gas hogs. The FT 4WD is a a killer and is the only reason I am looking at other things.

-4Runner - I like them... but I am not sold on them, Pitts is extremely nice but that with about 15Grand of aftermarket parts. I am not sold on them. Plus they have always seemed small, especially for a guy as big as I.

-Range Rover County (1989-1991) - I think those were the years. I have always loved these things an they look beastly.. but I have not done enough research on them and honestly may be too old to consider as a DD.

-Discovery II (99-2004) - Though I have been trying to read up on them, it appears that there is a lot of mixed info. You either love them or hate them. I have always loved the styling and comfort level but know nothing about their mechanics. From what I hear, maintenance is Key. If maintained properly, they will run forever but bad maintenance is disaster waiting to happen. While other vehicle can go with out strict maintenance, these things cannot.

-Jeep Commander - I never looked at these before because I was under the impression that they were extremely top heavy and that they sucked at off road, but as I began to explore expedition forums, I also began to see these pop up. Not crazy rock crawling but expo efficient. Mild 2-4" lifts are available. Or a 2" lift with a 2" body lift with some 35s and better gear ratio while still having room and comfort.

I know that hearing about Land Rover and Jeeps in a Toyota Forum is rare but I know that a lot of you have owned different types of vehicles and I also know that all BS aside, this is the place to get the best advice.Once thing to keep in mind is that I need this vehicle to be comfortable to keep the wife happy, safe for my precious cargo and roomy for my fat ass.

Thanks, -Suecyde

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by MoabFJ on May 5, 2011 at 9:27am

Still thinking Disco? take a look at this..

http://www.angelfire.com/mn/landroversucks/

There seem to be plenty of haters, and very few (non-brit) fans.

On the other hand if was just a wheeling toy, I like this:

http://www.land-roverco.com/vehicle_ed_scripps.htm

Disco is dead man, disco's dead..

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Permalink Reply by Sonof40 on May 5, 2011 at 11:45am

Darn! Who's gonna shake my booty?

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Permalink Reply by Suecyde on May 5, 2011 at 6:31pm

Yea .. im looking at on 07 DC Taco. I really am not trying to go more than 10K... so it may be out of the question. From responses I have recieved on other forums, it appears that the Discos are FT 4WD too.. soo I may be looking back at a LC80.... my search and research continues. 4Runners look to be in the picture as well.... who would have thought this would be so difficult.

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Permalink Reply by GHOST on May 10, 2011 at 4:56pm

Hey I see that truck everyday while working........

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Permalink Reply by magicthechemist on May 8, 2011 at 7:57am

Personally I dont think you can combine 4x4 truck and economy. You need two cars..

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on May 8, 2011 at 9:46am

Or a motorcycle :-)

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Permalink Reply by Suecyde on May 10, 2011 at 1:23pm

So I have been INFORMED.

The wife wants me to spend a bit more and buy a newer vehicle. She wants us to buy American. I like this but also dislike it. I love large trucks w/ Flex Fuel but then cannot really go on Expo runs. She like the Tahoes (newer) but does not realize that they run like $25K and above USED. The wife dislikes the 4Runner, LC and Seqouia. Good thing is that she does like the DC Taco.

So the search is on for a low priced DC Taco. I have found that the only 4 things I am looking for are 4x4/4wd - 4 Doors - Below $15K - 16MPG or better in City.

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Permalink Reply by DWH on May 10, 2011 at 2:21pm

I had a 2001 DC Taco 4x4 before the FJC. It was too small for my three kids, but would be good for 1 or 2. The newer models are larger but will be pricier. I sold mine 3 years ago in almost perfect shape with 95,000 miles on it for less than $13K.